The first event of all-star saturday night was the Haier Shooting Stars competition. The following players partcipated:
Team San Antonio: Tim Duncan, David Robinson, and Becky Hammon
Team Los Angeles: Derek Fisher, Michael Cooper, and Lisa Leslie
Tem Detroit: Aaron Affalo, Bill Liambeer, and Katie Smith
Team Phoenix: Leandro Barbosa, Dan Majerle, and Tangela Smith
Team Phoenix was the favorite going into the event because the all-star weekend was held in Phoenix but San Antonio was poised to get the competition’s first repeat. Team Detroit was strong through both rounds and came through for the upset.
Next up was the Play Station skills challenge. The following players participated:
Devin Harris- Nets
Derrick Rose- Bulls
Tony Parker- Spurs
Mo Williams- Cavs
There wasnt a clear favorite going into this event but Devin Harris is lightening fast, but the rookie Derrick Rose was ready to come through and shock the audience in Phoenix with a victory as a rookie. Mo Williams “guaranteed” a win before the compition took place. Williams was eliminated in the first round along with Tony Parker. Devin Harris missed a key jumper late in the compition and that gave the rookie Derrick Rose the victory.
The thrid event tonight was the three point shootout. These players participated:
Mike Bibby- Hawks
Daequan Cook- Heat
Jason Kapono- Raptors
Rashard Lewis- Magic
Danny Granger- Pacers
Roger Mason Jr- Spurs
Roger Mason has the highest shooting percentage from behind the arc, shooting 45%. Jason Kapono, who was heavily favored going into the compition has a 45.6 career three point shooting percentage. After a strong showing from Rashard Lewis, Jason Kapono and Daequan Cook, they made it to the final three. Kapono was eliminated by Lewis. Then Cook and Lewis both tied. Rashard Lewis didnt reach double figures in the tie breaker round, and the victory went to Daequan Cook of the Miami Heat.
The last event of the night was the slam dunk competition. Dwight Howard of the Magic tried to defend his title as Rudy Fernandez, Nate Robinson and J.R. Smith tried to defeat him.
The final round came down to Nate Robinson of the Knicks and Dwight Howard of the Magic. Both of Howard’s dunk earned perfect scores of 50. On his second dunk he dunked on a 12 foot basket instead of the regluation 10 foot.
Dwight Howard’s first two dunks showed power and great athletic abiltiy yet they werent spectacular. Nate Robinson, jumped over Dwight Howard on his second dunk showing off the great jumping ability that he has.
Nate Robinson won the competition with spectacular dunks in the final rounds to bring home the victory.
